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Although the Pearl Izumi running shoe line is not a huge player in the general running market, it is very popular among triathletes (those who bike, swim, and run in one event). However, its overall popularity is growing because they actually have some great, unique features that set them apart. The thing that I like the most about Pearl Izumi is its seamless upper technology. You can literally wear these shoes without socks because there are no seams on the inside to rub against your skin. I've taken them for a ten-miler run without socks once and I didn't get a single blister, nor a callous, or any other skin irritation. They have a complete mesh upper, so the feel around the foot is extremely comfortable and they are very breathable. These are my "on the go" shoes. If I have a long day ahead of me filled with activities and I don't have much time, I wear my Pearl Izumis. I could wear them to work, school, in the gym for weight lifting, and of course while hitting the pavement on my runs. The other thing I like about them is the way they can support the foot without having those leather like overlays that practically every other brand's shoes have. How do they do this? They have these strips hidden in between the mesh upper that travel alongside the foot. They start from the bottom of the shoe and come out on top to make the lace holes. When you run the laces through the holes and pull, the mesh upper synches beautifully around your foot. I like to describe it like a "vacuum effect." It's really secure and cozy inside. A Pearl Izumi running shoe doesn't use a bulky medial post to correct pronation. Instead, Pearl Izumi uses a soft plastic like cup device that wraps around the heel to stabilize the foot on impact. The device travels along the sides of the foot to guide it through a straight line. Depending on the shoe type, each model's heel cup will have varying degrees of lengths and depths. Basically, the more supportive models will have longer and deeper heel cups. This technology allows Pearl Izumi to be a lighter brand of shoes. If you're a triathlete, the last thing you want is something weighing you down after all that biking and swimming. They fit anywhere between medium and narrow. As I mentioned earlier, they have a biomorphic fit due to the all mesh upper, so you can make them as tight or lose as you want. They're still comfortable either way. Obviously, you'd want to lace up tighter when you run for more support. The ride is on the firmer side and is springy, so you'll get a lot of performance (i.e. speed, durability) out of a Pearl Izumi. Without a medial post, it makes for a smooth heel-toe transition. Below is a list of their models. Whenever possible, I add the following notations where appropriate to help you get your ideal fit.
Stability Infinity series - Advanced Syncropace series - Standard
Neutral
Motion Control
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